As we reported earlier today in our article about Tesla updating its Model 3 online design studio, there are still several important missing features on the new electric vehicle.
One of the most important features is arguably dual motor all-wheel-drive and the design of the powertrain was leaked in the design studio update.
All-wheel-drive is a useful feature to have in cold climates.
In general, it’s kind of overkill in regions with a moderate climate and yet, Tesla made it standard for all its Model S and Model X vehicles.
Tesla achieves all-wheel-drive through having two electric motors, one on each axle, which enables them to have a greater control on the power output per wheel and optimize each motor for different uses.
Ultimately, it can result in a greater range with the same energy capacity thanks to a better efficiency, like it did when it was introduced to Model S. Of course, it also results in a greater power output for quicker acceleration.
The same thing is expected to happen with Model 3.
Now we get to see a great image of the dual motor configuration of Tesla’s latest electric vehicle thanks to some code sleuthing by Eaer from /r/teslamotors on the latest update of the design studio:
It confirms that like Model S, the Model 3’s front motor is much smaller and therefore, it’s likely going to have a lower power output.
Tesla says that the dual motor all-wheel-drive Model 3 will be available starting in “Spring 2018”.
Electrek’s Take
The fact that the media asset is already in the configurator is also somewhat encouraging about the timeline to make the feature available.
Like we reported in our article about Tesla updating its Model 3 online design studio, it looks like the update is in preparation for making new features available.
As for all-wheel-drive, I was personally planning to wait for the dual motor Model 3 since I live in Quebec where things can sometimes get crazy in the winter. I also wouldn’t be mad if I could maintain or improve on the current acceleration of my Model S P85, which can reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
It’s always fun to punch it (when it’s safe to do so) now and again.
But I am not sure that Tesla will enable such performance in the dual motor Model 3. Maybe that will be saved for a performance dual motor version that CEO Elon Musk also said would be coming later this year.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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